Summer 2024
Arts Project Grants
Imagination Street
Entrust Care Partnership teamed up with storytelling company ImagiMill to deliver a magical sensory journey to the Land of Oz for disabled children and young people. Through three inclusive workshops and a final performance, the project built confidence, coordination, and connection. “We were amazed by their tolerance, engagement, and the fun we all had together.” New partnerships and funding have since followed, including support from Napton Music Festival for future sessions. This project helped reduce barriers to the arts and showed what’s possible when creative opportunities are tailored to every child’s needs.
Raga Garage Workshops & Concerts
Leamington Music brought the dynamic fusion group Raga Garage to local schools and community centres, delivering workshops, after-school clubs, and a live-streamed concert that reached over 9,000 people. The project introduced diverse audiences—including Asian elders and schoolchildren—to live classical music. “It was such a positive and wonderful experience,” said one participant. The success of this new approach has empowered Leamington Music to expand its reach, build lasting community partnerships, and embrace new digital formats. It marks a confident step towards a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse music programme.
Dance in the Dark
Sonrisa Arts delivered Dance in the Dark, a creative dance and music project for early years children and families in Lillington, Brunswick, and Warwick. 15 workshops and two performances at the Royal Spa Centre explored themes like bedtime, shadows, and imagination through movement, music, and play. Children came in pyjamas and danced in glowing lights, supported by professional artists. One parent said, “I leave the session feeling relaxed, happy and connected to my child.” The project reduced barriers to theatre, supported wellbeing, and inspired future work. A 5-star review called it “a magical adventure into a night-time wonderland.”
Holiday Project Funded Places
Playbox Theatre’s Holiday Project provided funded places for 16 disadvantaged children, offering 10 days of creative workshops culminating in a performance. The project had a profound impact on participants and their families, with feedback highlighting the transformative power of drama. One parent shared, “The transformation of him at the end of the week brings tears of joy to my eyes,” while another noted how the project made “a previously inaccessible opportunity accessible” and allowed their child to grow in confidence and creativity. Many spoke about the important benefits drama offers, especially for children with additional needs, helping them develop empathy and build supportive friendships. The success of this initiative has inspired Playbox to establish an ongoing fund to continue providing opportunities for young people facing barriers to participation.
Arts Uplift are being awarded an Arts Project Grant towards their Movement to Music workshops one of the latest initiatives of Ageing Well, a programme designed to promote health and wellbeing, with a focus on dementia-friendliness. Weekly sessions offer a chance to discover the joy of moving along to well-loved and familiar tunes, connecting with others, and enjoying refreshments over a chat in a comfortable and friendly setting. Jenny Davis Executive Director of Arts Uplift says: “There is so much evidence to show that movement to music has a big part to play in helping people - including those with dementia - to live happy and fulfilled lives. It’s also great for breathing, posture and mental stimulation as well as being hugely enjoyable.”